Barron County Observes Tornado Anniversary

Press Release

Monday, May 14, 2018 | Updated May 14, 2018 8:55 am CDT

Join your neighbors and friends to observe the 1-year tornado anniversary. The community is invited to gather on May 16, 5 -7 pm, at the Chetek Airport Park, 633 Lakeview Drive, Chetek. The event will feature a free meal along with a remembrance presentation at 5:30pm. Property owners affected by the tornado will receive a free flowering crab tree at the event.

On May 16, 2017 the longest on the ground tornado ever recorded in Wisconsin traveled through Polk, Barron, Rusk and Price Counties. One man died and dozens of others were injured. The tornado damaged more than 150 Barron County properties and caused more than $10 million in damage.

“We want to offer a place to come together on the anniversary,” states Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald. “Come out and share a meal with friends and neighbors and let’s remember together.”

The Catholic Diocese of Superior including the parish cluster of St. Boniface, St. Joseph, St. Peter, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Treefrogs Greenhouse in Chetek will distribute free flowering crab trees to property owners who suffered damage in the tornado. There will be a sign up for those needing assistance planting the trees. Experts on tree planting will be available at the event.

Those affected by the tornado, first responders, volunteers, friends and neighbors are encouraged to attend the event May 16 from 5-7 pm. For more information, please contact public health at: 715-537-5691, ext 6442.